CHAPTER FOUR — A DEAL OR NOT?

Chapter 04.

A DEAL OR NOT?

Lauren's POV.

“You seem surprised.” Conrad said, walking towards me. “Why are you surprised?”

Surprised? Was that some kind of joke or what? Surprised was an understatement. What in the world was he doing in my school? How did he even find me to begin with? Besides, who exactly was he that Mrs Stephen had to fetch me herself?

As he took another step towards me, I moved a step back.

“You have nothing to be scared of.” he smiled, and pulled out a chair that was tucked in the table. “Your secret is safe with me.”

He settled on the chair, and scuffed it forward.

“You don't want to keep standing.” he turned to me. “Come have a seat.”

He gestured with a hand.

I held onto the strap of my tote bag and walked towards the chair on the other side of the table.

“I don't understand, why are you here?” I asked, settling on the chair. “How did you find me?”

“Have you forgotten so soon?” he asked, raising a brow. “It is not over yet; it's only the beginning.”

He reminded, doing the air quotes.

“Oh,” I muttered under my breath, as a flash of realization lighted my eyes.

I actually thought those were mere words to instill fear in me. I never knew he had a reason for saying that.

“Besides, how did I find you? Hmph!” he cupped an elbow with a hand, and tapped his jaw with a finger. “Let's just say I know a few people here and there.”

He smiled. Although, that didn't answer my question, but I kept quiet about it. If anything, I just wanted him to leave already. I didn't know the reason why he came, but the next moment wasn't certain as long as he was around.

“Alright. So, why are you here?” I asked, the words seemed to drag themselves from my throat. “What do you need?”

“He didn't make it.” he leaned forward, and clasped his hands on the table.

As his words fell upon my ears, a cold chill ran down the length of my spine.

“I thought he was…”

“I wasn't sure; he just wasn't breathing.” he said, shaking his head. “However, I wanted to believe that he could be saved, that was the reason I called the paramedics. Unfortunately, he passed away before they arrived at the hospital.”

“I am so sorry.” I said, with a soft voice and an apologetic look in my eyes. “I don't know what to say to you right now. It's all my fault.”

“Yes, it is. But that's not why I'm here.” he said. “I came to see you because I need your help.”

“You need my help?” I narrowed my gaze at the words. “I don't think I understand what you're saying right now. What do you need my help with?”

If there was someone who needed the help of the other party, then it had to be me. What could he possibly want me to help him with?

Besides, did I hear wrong some minutes ago? Or didn't he mention that he knew a few people? If he did, then why not ask them? They should be able to help him out in ways that I wouldn't come through for him.

“You want me to keep your secret? Then you're going to have to help me with something too.” he said, with a serious look on his face.

“Okay.” I stretched the word.

“Don't worry, it's not something hard.” he smiled, and leaned back in his chair. “Besides, I'm not ready to ruin your life. You need to graduate, get a good job, and live well. I'm not about to ruin that.”

That was what he thought. But to me, it felt like things were about to go from bad to worse, if it hadn't started yet.

“You can go on, I'm listening.” I said, maintaining eyes contact with him. “If it's something that I can help you with, then why not.”

I shrugged.

“Good.” he said. “If offered the position of a secretary, would you perform well?”

“Why do you ask?” I said.

“You should answer my questions first.” he said. “Would you be able to perform well on duty?”

“I don't know.” I said, shaking my head. “I am still a student. Besides, I'm not just any student, but a medical student. I don't think I can do it.”

“I am not looking for a professional.” he said, looking me straight in the eyes. “I only need someone that can get the job done.”

“What job if I may ask?”

“I need you to get me some information.” he said. “You will be working as a secretary to the CEO of Beamers Industries, one of the biggest advertising companies in the country. All I need from you is to get me some information.”

“I don't think I understand what you're saying right now.” I said, rubbing the base of my neck. “I don't think I would do so well in the position of a secretary, but even if I wanted to consider it, I was hoping that I'd be working for you. But it doesn't sound like it.”

“Well, I would also be paying you for the job.” he said. “All I need you to do is to help me get whatever information I ask for. And also do a few things for me.”

“Things like?” I arched a brow.

“Not to worry; one step at a time.” he smiled. “When it's time for that, I'll let you know.”

“Alright, so who am I working for?” I asked. “Besides, what happens to my education? I'm still a student, you know.”

“You will meet with him soon.” he said. “About your education? I've talked to Mrs Stephen about it, so there's nothing to worry about. However, here's the big question: can I trust you?”

“Do I have a choice?” I asked.

“Not really.” he folded his arms across his chest, and shook his head.

“What if I choose not to?” I asked.

“You don't want your little secret to get out, do you.” he raised a brow.

“No, I don't.” I said, dropping my head.

“Good.” he said, and snapped his fingers.

A young man walked up to our table with a briefcase in his grip. Conrad received the briefcase from him, and placed it on the table. He unlocked and turned it to me. In the briefcase were wads of cash.

“I believe this is good for a start.” he said. “Also, I'll help you get rid of that scar on your face. So what do you say? Do we have a deal or not?”